Potato challenge proves popular

ALMOST 2,000 schools have registered for Agri Aware’s Meet the Spuds potato-growing challenge to celebrate the United Nations designated International Year of the Potato.

More than 100,000 pupils are busy digging, sowing and watering as they compete for over €10,000 in educational funds.

Since the initiative’s launch in February, hundreds of schools have submitted pictures and letters testifying the educational benefits of the challenge and showcasing their hard work.

Irish National Teachers’ Organisation assistant general secretary Sheila Nunan said the feedback from primary teachers on the project is positive.

“The figures speak for themselves. It’s one of the biggest primary school initiatives and its success is down to its simplicity.

“Everything has been handed to the teacher in a box. There is no running around looking for extra resources, no tokens to collect and, financially, there wasn’t a penny extra to spend,” she said.

Agri Aware chairman Mairead Lavery said it was encouraging to see such an uptake among schools. The feedback from teachers was positive.

“This is the proof that the challenge is succeeding in creating awareness of the farming and food industry among young children,” she said.

Schools planted their potato seeds in February and are challenged to keep a scrapbook of their plants’ progress until the crop is harvested in early June.